SJC Boxing Celebrates 57 Years with Community-Focused Fight Event in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — For more than half a century, one local boxing gym has been doing more than just training fighters. It’s been building discipline, mentorship and a sense of community.

Now, SJC Boxing Club is celebrating that legacy with a major milestone, 57 years in the ring.

On Saturday, the gym will host its 57th Anniversary Invitational, a full day of amateur boxing that brings together fighters from across the region. From 9-year-olds to young adults, but organizers say the event is about much more than the matchups.

“This is really for the community,” says owner Steven Canton, "Yes, you’ll see great talent in the ring, but this is also about celebrating what this place has meant to so many people over the years.”

Founded and led by longtime coach Steve Canton, SJC Boxing has become a staple in Fort Myers. Known as the “Home of Champions,” the gym has trained athletes from around the world, while also opening its doors to local kids looking for structure, guidance and opportunity.

That dual mission will be on full display this weekend.

The invitational is officially sanctioned by USA Boxing, meaning fighters will compete in regulated amateur bouts across multiple divisions. Spectators can expect a full lineup of matches running throughout the day, showcasing rising talent and experienced competitors alike.

But outside the ropes, the impact runs deeper.

For many families, SJC Boxing has served as a safe space, a place where young people can stay active, learn discipline and build confidence. Over the years, the gym has also been involved in outreach efforts, helping connect kids to resources and mentorship beyond boxing.

Boxers like Jaheme Brown have been impacted personally by this. Brown was one of the first to join the mentorship program. " I still come here 6 years later because of the places it takes you, the things it does for you, and the direction it steers you."

That’s why this anniversary event feels personal for so many in the community.

“It’s not just about the fights,” says Canton. “It’s about the people who have walked through these doors for 57 years.”

From former fighters returning to where they started, to young athletes stepping into the ring for the first time, the event is expected to bring together generations shaped by the gym.

As the punches fly and the crowd cheers, the celebration will serve as a reminder of what has kept SJC Boxing going all these years, not just talent, but heart.

Because in Fort Myers, this gym isn’t just creating champions. It’s building a community.